Layers
There are 2 layers to the pericardial sac: the outermost fibrous pericardium and therefore the inner serous pericardium. The serous pericardium, in turn, is split into 2 layers, the parietal pericardium, that is fused to and inseparable from the fibrous pericardium, and therefore the visceral pericardium, that is an element of the epicardium. The epicardium is that the layer immediately outside of the guts muscle correct (the myocardium).
The visceral layer extends to the start of the good vessels, changing into one with the parietal layer of the serous pericardium. This happens at 2 areas; where the aorta and pulmonary trunk leave the guts and where the superior vena cava, inferior vena cava and pulmonary veins enter the guts.
In between the parietal and visceral pericardial layers there's a possible house known as the pericardial cavity. it's normally lubricated by a movie of pericardial fluid. an excessive amount of fluid within the cavity (such as during a pericardial effusion) may end up in pericardial tamponade (compression of the guts inside the pericardial sac). A pericardectomy is usually required in these cases.
Functions
- Protection
- Lubrication
Anatomical relationships
- Surrounds heart and bases of pulmonary artery and aorta.
- Deep to sternum and anterior chest wall.
- the correct phrenic nerve passes to the correct of the pericardium.
- The left phrenic nerve passes over the pericardium of the left ventricle.
- Pericardial arteries provide blood to the dorsal portion of the pericardium.
Diseases/Abnormalities
- Pericarditis leading to pericardial friction rub
- Pericardial effusion which can result in cardiac tamponade.
- Cardiac Tamponade as a primary pathology following traumatic injury.